{"id":721,"date":"2026-02-24T12:10:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T11:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev26.prevention-suicide.lu\/understanding-suicide\/quelles-sont-les-idees-recues-sur-le-suicide\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T08:32:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T07:32:28","slug":"what-are-common-false-perceptions-of-suicide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.prevention-suicide.lu\/en\/understanding-suicide\/what-are-common-false-perceptions-of-suicide\/","title":{"rendered":"What are common false perceptions of suicide?"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\t\r\n
\r\n

What are common false perceptions of suicide?<\/h1>\r\n

Suicide remains a subject surrounded by taboos and myths. Yet, if one speaks openly and sympathetically about it, it is possible to understand the real risk factors and look out for warning signs, thus genuinely saving lives.<\/p>\r\n

Let us distinguish between what is true and what is false.<\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 01\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

Talking about suicide gives a person ideas about carrying out the act.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> On the contrary, research shows that asking a person directly about it (“Are you thinking of suicide?”) does not increase the risk but can help to discourage them from going ahead with the act. It enables the person to feel listened to and supported.<\/p>\r\n

How should you start a conversation with a person that you are worried about? \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 02\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

People who talk about suicide never go ahead with it.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> Any threat or sign should be taken seriously. Most people who die by suicide have given some indication in advance that they might do it (things they have said or changes in behaviour). It is essential to take these signs seriously.<\/p>\r\n

How to recognise the signs \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 03\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

When the crisis is over and the person is feeling better, the risk has passed.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> Sometimes, a sudden improvement in mood may indicate that the person has taken a decision (and not that they are feeling better). It can be a time of high risk. A follow-up and support are vital.<\/p>\r\n

Where can I find help? \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 04\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

Suicide is an impulsive act, without premeditation.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> Often, suicide is the outcome of a long period of suffering. Some people have been thinking about it for months or even years. But a particular event (the break-up of a relationship, losing a job, etc.) may sometimes spur them into action. Looking out for such signs as isolation, negative statements or changes of behaviour can save lives.<\/p>\r\n

How to recognise the signs \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 05\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

Only people with mental health disorders take their own lives.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> Although mental illness (such as depression, alcohol or drug addiction) are among the risk factors for suicide, many people have suicidal thoughts who are not suffering from any mental illness. Anybody can have suicidal thoughts, whether they have mental health issues or not.<\/p>\r\n

Why does someone think of suicide? \u2192<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

\r\n 06\r\n

Myth<\/p>\r\n

Thinking of dying by suicide is a sign either of cowardice or of selfishness.<\/h3>\r\n

Reality:<\/strong> Suicide is not a question of cowardice, courage or weakness. It originates in suffering so intense that the person no longer sees any other way out and loses all hope for the future. It is not a choice but a sign of deep distress. Outside judgements only aggravate the shame and the solitude, in many cases preventing the person from seeking help.<\/p>\r\n <\/section>\r\n \r\n

It is important to realise that the distress can be overcome. Speaking to someone who is close to you, a professional or a helpline can make it possible to regain hope and find solutions. You are not alone: asking for help is already a step towards recovery. Your life matters!<\/p>\r\n

Are you in danger?<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What are common false perceptions of suicide? Suicide remains a subject surrounded by taboos and myths. Yet, if one speaks openly and sympathetically about it, it is possible to understand the real risk factors and look out for warning signs, thus genuinely saving lives. Let us distinguish between what is true and what is false. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":659,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-721","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are common false perceptions of suicide? - Pr\u00e9vention Suicide Luxembourg<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Challenge common misconceptions about suicide. 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